You’ve been refreshing job listings, tweaking your resume, and hoping that this time you’ll finally land the job that changes everything. But no matter how many applications you send, the offers aren’t coming. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
As a recruiter for top brands and founder of Style Nine to Five, Christie Lohr has worked with thousands of job seekers in the fashion industry, and Christie can tell you with certainty, there’s one thing holding most people back. And it’s not experience, skills, or talent.
It’s mindset.
The Hidden Barrier Between You and Your Dream Job
The most common mistake I see job seekers make? They disqualify themselves before anyone else does.
• “I don’t meet all the requirements, so I won’t apply.”
• “I don’t have enough experience.”
• “I’m not ready for that level yet.”
Newsflash: Hiring managers used to think they wanted a unicorn candidate who checked every single box. But as a recruiter, Christie helps them see beyond the job description and consider candidates who bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. They’re looking for people who are ready to bring value, grow, and contribute—so go for it anyway.
The truth is, most job descriptions are wish lists, not strict requirements. If you meet 60-70% of the criteria, apply anyway. The real game-changer? Positioning yourself the right way.
How to Get Out of Your Own Way—3 Fixes
1. Reframe Your Experience
Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, highlight what you do bring to the table. Ask yourself:
• What transferable skills do I have? (Communication, project management, sales, etc.)
• How have I delivered results in past roles?
• How can I position myself as a great fit for the company’s goals?
A quick fix from Christie: Add a Professional Title under your name on your resume that clearly defines your expertise (e.g., Fashion Marketing Specialist | Digital & Social Media Strategist). This immediately tells hiring managers who you are and what you do.
2. Use LinkedIn the Right Way
If you’re relying only on job applications, you’re missing a huge opportunity. Networking makes all the difference.
• Connect with hiring managers and recruiters in your industry.
• Engage with their posts (commenting boosts your visibility).
• Send a simple message:
“Hi (Hiring Manager’s Name), I admire (Company Name) and would love to explore ways I can contribute. I recently applied for (Job Title) and would love to connect!”
This keeps you top of mind and increases your chances of getting noticed.
3. Make One High-Impact Resume Tweak
Hiring managers skim resumes in seconds, so yours needs to grab attention fast.
• Cut the fluff: Ditch long-winded summaries. Use a strong headline instead.
• Highlight achievements: Focus on impact—numbers, growth, results.
• Format smartly: Make sure your resume is clear, clean, and easy to scan.
A quick fix: If you’re struggling to perfect your resume, check out Christie’s Resume Refresh service or grab the ‘Break Into Fashion’ workbook for step-by-step guidance.
The Bottom Line: Take the Shot
The biggest mistake you can make? Not trying.
You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t go for. Even if you don’t feel 100% ready, even if you’re not sure you’ll get the job—apply anyway. Send the message. Make the connection. Put yourself out there.
Need help crafting the perfect application? Christie has helped thousands of job seekers land their dream roles—let’s get you hired. Explore our career services here.